China's top legislator meets French PM

BEIJING - Chinese top legislator Zhang Dejiang met in Beijing on Friday with visiting French Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault, pledging more exchanges between the two parliaments.

Zhang, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, hailed the existing exchanges and dialogue between the NPC and the French National Assembly and Senate.

He called on the two sides to strengthen communication, develop the existing exchange mechanism, continue regular contact, and exchange experience in democracy, legislation and governance.

Ayrault applauded the exchanges between the two parliaments, appealing the two sides to further exchanges and promote cooperation.

Ayrault is in China for a five-day official visit as a guest of his Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang.